The student news site of Bloomington High School South

The Optimist
The student news site of Bloomington High School South

The Optimist
The student news site of Bloomington High School South

The Optimist
Melissa Thomas

Melissa Thomas, Editor

Having just returned to Bloomington after living overseas, Melissa is excited to start following some of the remarkable stories hidden in South.

All content by Melissa Thomas
Courtesy of Creative Commons

How Bloomington is responding to homelessness amid COVID-19 pandemic

Melissa Thomas, Editor
May 8, 2020
This is not an image of the current protests in the freedom movement. Courtesy of Creative Commons.

How does spreading the coronavirus justify the protests against lockdown?

Melissa Thomas, Editor
April 22, 2020
Courtesy of Creative Commons.

Why should we keep social distancing?

Melissa Thomas, Editor
April 16, 2020
What will happen with AP testing? CollegeBoard introduces 45-minute online exam at home

What will happen with AP testing? CollegeBoard introduces 45-minute online exam at home

Melissa Thomas, Editor
March 24, 2020
Yes! The French trip will return following the Europe travel ban

Yes! The French trip will return following the Europe travel ban

Melissa Thomas, Editor
March 13, 2020
Dedicated to teaching and learning: spotlight on English teacher Dr. Rakic

Dedicated to teaching and learning: spotlight on English teacher Dr. Rakic

Melissa Thomas, Editor
February 19, 2020
South freshman, Steven Miller, with his buddies.

Special needs individuals ‘Shine’ at community event Feb. 7

Melissa Thomas, Editor
February 13, 2020

Making the News: A Community Conversation takes place at IU

Melissa Thomas, Editor
January 29, 2020
Photo by Joel McKay.

Down the ‘Rabbit Hole’

Melissa Thomas, Editor
November 17, 2019
Get the Look: Teacher Edition

Get the Look: Teacher Edition

Melissa Thomas and Iris Kreilkamp
October 28, 2019

Behind the Friday music

Hanh Tam Bui and Melissa Thomas
October 11, 2019
Castellanos with senior Tyson Gregory.

Meet MCCSC’s first Sign Language teacher: Karla Castellanos

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
September 13, 2019
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

IU’s doors are OPEN for high school students

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
September 6, 2019
Courtesy of Creative Commons.

A new voice in the election: registering to vote at 18

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
August 14, 2019
An amazing quality photo of the main stage at graduation

Saying Goodbye to the Class of 2019!

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
June 2, 2019

Need-to-know info for the upcoming 2019 graduation

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
May 6, 2019
The cast and director of Little Women. Photographed by Daniel Kennedy

South’s Advanced Theatre class presents ‘Little Women’

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
April 11, 2019
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

The death of local news?

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
Courtesy of Creative Commons, the Islamic Center of Bloomington where Sunday night's memorial took place

Bloomington’s response to the Christchurch massacre

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
March 25, 2019
FullSizeRender

[Photo] The trials and tribulations of AP testing

Jen Crystal, Editor
March 25, 2019
Juniors in Physics Honors class works on wiring electricity for a home.

Can freshmen jump into ‘Physics First’? A look at an alternative science sequence

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
March 24, 2019
Sophomore Elijah Armendariz Peavy arrived at South this trimester.

Creating a better school climate for ‘the new kids’

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Photo Courtesy: Creative Commons

More than just a school absence: Students protest climate policies

Melissa Thomas, Staff Writer
February 27, 2019
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